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Zach Braff launches $2 million Kickstarter campaign for new movie

By:
WENN.com
Apr 24, 2013

Actor Zach Braff has launched a $2 million (£1.3 million) online fundraiser to finance his new movie after seeing the success of the Veronica Mars Kickstarter.com campaign. The former Scrubs star is seeking fan donations for his latest project Wish I Was Here, a follow-up to 2004 comedy-drama Garden State, and has promised rewards including T-shirts, advanced screenings and even the chance to appear in the film for the most generous backer.
Braff, who hopes to raise $2 million by 24 May (13), wanted to start the campaign to avoid a "typical financing deal" and admits he was inspired by the website's recent Veronica Mars movie project, which generated more than $5.5 million (£3.4 million) in 30 days.
In a message posted on the fundraising page, he writes, "I was about to sign a typical financing deal in order to get the money to make Wish I Was Here, my follow up to Garden State. It would have involved making a lot of sacrifices I think would have ultimately hurt the film. I've been a backer for several projects on Kickstarter and thought the concept was fascinating and revolutionary for artists and innovators of all kinds. But I didn't imagine it could work on larger-scale projects. I was wrong.
"After I saw the incredible way Veronica Mars fans rallied around Kristen Bell and her show's creator Rob Thomas, I couldn't help but think (like I'm sure so many other independent filmmakers did) maybe there is a new way to finance smaller, personal films that didn't involve signing away all your artistic control.
"Financing an independent film the traditional way often means having to give away your right to the final cut, casting choices, location choices and cutting down your script to make it shoot-able on the cheapest budget possible."
Appealing to fans to join the scheme, he adds, "If you've liked the stuff I've made so far, I know you're going to love this. Whether you end up with a rad (good) T-shirt... or an invite to a special preview screening, you'll know that without you, this movie never would have gotten made."

This article contains spoilers of Friday's Oz the Great and Powerful.
"Start the album at the lion's third roar."
The above quote is a mantra of ultraviolet basement-dwellers the world over, brave pilgrims of the ceremonious journey that is "Dark Side of the Rainbow." In 1995, the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette publicized the kinetic experience achieved by watching The Wizard of Oz while simultaneously listening to Pink Floyd's iconic 1973 album The Dark Side of the Moon. The phenomenon earned a variety of evaluations, ranging from "A mild-altering spiritual experience!" to "A worthwhile way to pass a Saturday," to "Complete bulls***." It's probably a little of each.
But with such a reputable companionship with the 1939 classic, we wondered if Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon would opt for the same kind of union with the latest incarnation of the yellow brick road: Walt Disney's new feature film, Oz the Great and Powerful. And although we approached the idea with a bit of levity... it kind of works.
RELATED: 'Oz the Great and Powerful' Review
A viewing of Oz the Great and Powerful, teamed with a never-leave-home-without-it recording of the '73 album, yeilded the sort of results in which our forefathers — the pioneers who first discovered this prodigious marvel (or giant crock, but we're staying whimsical here) — might have first experienced that new sense of wonder. Don't believe it? Well, let us take you on a journey...
"Speak to Me/Breathe"Plays during the opening titles — a puppet show preamble to the fantastical film — and our black-and-white introduction to small-scale conman Oscar Diggs (James Franco). Nothing too remarkable here, but then...
"On the Run"Oz's first show! A levitation/disappearing act that involves the audience participation of a young lady, "chosen at random." The reverberating instrumentals of the song crescendo as Oz lifts his assistant from the confines of gravity and transports her assistant into a wondrous oblivion.
"Time"As the storm (both emotional and literal) kicks up, so do the clocks of "Time." Oz hides away in his tent while angry circus strong men seek vengeance on him, earning a visit from his beloved Emily (Michelle Williams in her non-witch incarnation). When Emily slams Oz with the news that she's getting married to John Gale, the lyricized portion of "Time" begins abruptly. Her announcement of engagement is followed by an immediate and harsh, "Ticking away the moments that make up a dull day..."
"The Great Gig in the Sky"Here's the kicker. Just as Dorothy ascends to the heavens during "Great Gig in the Sky," so does Oz. The appropriately titled number launches as he hops into his getaway hot air balloon, with Clare Torry's mind-melting vocals climaxing as the storm gives way to a strange and mystical new reality... we have entered another realm.
RELATED: Dr. Oz the Great and Powerful! — VIDEO
"Money"Another Wizard of Oz/Oz the Great and Powerful similarity: "Money" chimes in, with its cash register/clanging change sound effects accompanying the striking visuals of the colorful land of Oz, just as the case in the original.
"Us and Them"Gotta be honest, I don't remember what the hell happened here.
"Any Colour You Like"More colours! Water fairies, crystal flowers, flying apes, the works!
"Brain Damage/Eclipse"Here's one that works best in retrospect. Oz seduces his welcome wagon, witch Theodora (Mila Kunis), with a romantic woodland dance set to a music box tune. While it seems like a sweet, sentimental scene at first glance, those who sat through the film can pinpoint this as when Oz does in fact impart a bit of "brain damage" unto poor Theodora. And that's as spoilery as we're getting.
But don't take our word for it. Try it out yourself! And let us know: artistic miracle or hippie nonsense?
Follow Michael Arbeiter on Twitter @MichaelArbeiter.
[Photo Credit: Walt Disney Pictures]
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Despite looking like a spiritual sequel to 2010's Alice in Wonderland and sending every punctuation stickler into a tizzy, the Wizard of Oz preboot Oz the Great and Powerful works magic on the big screen. Director Sam Raimi (Spider-Man) fixes all of Alice's mistakes, fluffing up the eye-popping CG decor with bright colors and fueling his fairy tale adventure with a good deal of soul. Like 2011's Hugo did with the early days of cinema, Raimi turns Oz into a love letter for old school magic, mesmerizingng Technicolor, and the fantastical approach that made the 1939 original a classic. Alice may have made a billion dollars at the box office, but Ozis the success — whimsical, silly, and totally transportive.
James Franco stars as Oscar Diggs, the man who eventually becomes "the Wizard" that we know. But first, he's a magician from the Dustbowl Era, willing to con even his closest friends to have life go his way. To help him learn a lesson, the Forces That Be ensnare him in a tornado — a one way ticket to the land of Oz. After quickly shaking off the fact that the alternative universe bares his same name, Oscar crosses paths with Theodora (Mila Kunis), a witch who believes him to be a prophetic Wizard sent to save Oz from the Wicked Witch of the West. So begins their cross-Oz journey — and Oscar's greatest con to date.
RELATED: 15 'Oz' Adaptations You Didn't Know You Needed (and 2 That Are NSFW)
As the "Wizard" learns the ropes, accepting the challenge to defeat the Wicked Witch after learning of Emerald City's vast treasures, he meets the real stars of Raimi's show. Rachel Weisz has a ball as Theodora's dastardly sister Evanora, who pulls strings in the Emerald City as the citizens await the Wizard. Continually sending into a Mommie Dearest-level rage is Glinda. Michelle Williams captures the innocence and elegance of the Glinda from the '39 film with an added snap of wit. She may be the nicest witch in all of Oz, but piss her off and she'll blast you with magic. Much of Oz the Great and Powerful is dedicated to exploring the expansive world Raimi has designed — The crystalline Emerald City, Munchkin City and its wholesome residents, the delicate "China Town" (made of actual China plates) ravaged by the Wicked Witch's flying monkeys — and it works thanks to the host of characters carrying it along. Even Zach Braff as a talking monkey works as comedic relief (providing a few of the surprisingly effective 3D gags).
The only thing that falls flat in Oz is Franco. And not just a little bit — like a house lifted up by a maelstrom and slammed back into the Earth kind of thwomp. Oscar is supposed to be a man in need of redemption, a self-obsessive who is destructive to the people around him. Franco fits the bill… but it doesn't feel like a character. The actor is self-aware of his non-existent surroundings. He's goofy instead of theatrical. His smug grin creates a disconnect between him and his costars, real or digital. At one point Oscar cradles a living porcelain doll he finds in the smoldering remains of China Town. It's a touching bit of sadness that Franco sells. But as Oscar begins to "change," Franco stays put, acting like the world of Oz is one big joke when we're waiting for him to wake up to the fact that it isn't.
RELATED: Watch: Dr. Oz The Great And Powerful!
But not even Franco's laid back approach can sink Raimi's inspired vision, which unexpectedly expresses all of the director's quirks right down to the wild camera movements, bold canted angles, and an instinct that allows Oz to get a little scary (don't worry, children: not Evil Dead scary). Raimi's film pays its dues to past Oz incarnations, down to a riff on "Lollipop King" from composer Danny Elfman, but still feels innovative. The director contends with Franco around every turn of the yellow brick road, orchestrating action sequences, fantastical encounters, and even a musical number, around him in hopes of drowning Oscar in imagination. The combined powers of Weisz, Williams, and Kunis do the trick against the charisma-lacking leading man. Maybe just the three ladies for the sequel?
What do you think? Tell Matt Patches directly on Twitter @misterpatches and read more of his reviews on Rotten Tomatoes!
[Photo Credit: Merie Wallace/Disney]
2.5/5

Simpson recently confirmed reports she's expecting her second child with fiance Eric Johnson, and now Cobb has revealed she and her husband, actor Donald Faison, are set to become parents.
Announcing the news via Twitter.com on Thursday (31Jan13), the 35 year old wrote, "Looks like (Donald) and I are going to have a little stormtrooper of our own!"
The child will be the first for Cobb, but Scrubs star Faison has four kids from prior relationships.
The couple wed in December (13) at the home of Faison’s best pal Zach Braff.

Gun control has been a hot topic in the U.S. following the Connecticut school massacre which left 20 young children and six teachers dead last month (Dec12), and on Wednesday (16Jan13) President Barack Obama announced plans to tighten firearms regulations in a bid to prevent future tragedies.
Among the draft proposals are plans to ban automatic weapons and introduce universal background checks for all firearms buyers, but NRA bosses responded with a new video hailing Obama as an "elitist hypocrite".
In the clip, Obama is criticised for giving his daughters Secret Service protection, with a narrator asking, "Are the president's kids more important than yours? Then why is he skeptical about putting armed security in our schools when his kids are protected by armed guards at their school?"
The video has sparked outrage, and many celebrities have taken to their Twitter.com pages to slam the NRA.
In a post, Boreanaz ?writes, "NRA is repugnant and cowardly with this web ad. Shame on you", while Wilde ?rages, "I would like to take this opportunity to tell the NRA to go f**k themselves."
Country star Chely Wright ?adds, "The NRA's newest ad is disgusting, in my opinion. They suggest that the President cares only for his kids. Shameful", and Braff muses, "This is not an SNL (Saturday Night Live) skit. This is a real NRA Ad."

Firefighters were called to tackle a blaze at The Hangover star's 12th floor Manhattan penthouse after candles around her bathtub ignited a pile of clothes left nearby.
The fire broke out at around 10pm local time and firefighters spent 45 minutes putting out the flames before Graham was allowed to return home, according to the New York Post.
Fire Department City of New York (FDNY) Chief John Bley says, "It was candles that maybe caught some clothes that were left near the tub."
Former Scrubs star Zach Braff reportedly owns an apartment on the floor below Graham's property.

While we have been without our Floridian, ostensibly jobless friends since before the summer months, we can now thank TBS and a pair of new showrunners for reuniting us with the beloved militia of Cougar Town characters. Some might be wary of testing the waters of a non Bill Lawrence-led Cougar Town. Others might be deterred by the new cable station and 10 PM air time. Others still have never seen Cougar Town, and still think it's a show about Courteney Cox hitting on young dudes. But we know better than any of these fools. And we're ready to launch full swing into Season 4 of what has become one of the most strangely addictive comedies on television. But just in chase you're a bit rusty on your Cougar Town knowledge, here's a quick catchup to prepare you for Tuesday night's premiere...
Where We Left Off: The jarringly heartfelt Season 3 finale saw Jules marry neighbor nemesis fremesis friend boyfriend boyfremesis fiancé now husband Grayson on the beach (against Cougar Town's stringent "no beach weddings" law), with her father ordaining the ceremony, her son snapping photos, and all of her loved ones (and Tom) present for the occasion before the married couple rode off into the sunset (on a horse!) just in time to evade law enforcement. Additionally, Travis had presented his earnest feelings for Laurie in an emotional explosion fueled by wine and failing any conceivable dress code, apparently sparking some inkling of interest in Laurie despite her decision to stay with her boyfriend Wade. Ellie's still mean, Andy's still hapless, and Bobby's still vaguely brain damaged.
Best Moment of Season 3: For Scrubs fans, Cougar Town's meta acknowledgement of the extensive casting similarities between the two Bill Lawrence shows (star Christa Miller, supporting player Bob Clendenin, recurring player Ken Jenkins, and guest stars Sarah Chalke and Sam Lloyd... Zach Braff and Rob Maschio even made appearances to strengthen the joke). For Community fans, the 11th episode title card gag that read, "'I didn't know it was back on either' - Abed." For non-Scrubs/non-Community fans... well, those people don't actually watch this show, either.
Most Improved Character: All of the characters have grown substantially since the lackluster early days of the show, but the title goes to Bobby Cobb, who has evolved from a one-note dirt bag to a genuinely tragic, albeit hysterical character.
Least Improved Character: Dog Travis. We've seen almost no development with this guy.
Biggest Changes We'll See This Season: Aside from Jules' marriage and a potential relationship for Travis and Laurie subtly teased, the show has shifted networks from ABC to the cable channel TBS, and to the late hour of 10 PM. This means: more cursing! More sex jokes! More explicit alcohol abuse! Ellie can be meaner, Laurie can be more vivid in her description of her romantic escapades, and Bobby can be more inadvertently culturally insensitive. It's your call on whether these are good things or not.
5 Reasons You Should Keep Watching: To see what the show's new home, as well as its new showrunners, will bring to the flavor of Cougar Town; to win some more great Scrubs cameos (we're still waiting on you, Janitor!); to revel in the notion that someday, you can spend every single afternoon of your life relaxing in the paradise of your beachfront Florida home with your friends and family, getting drunk and shirking all conceivable responsibility; simply, to experience more Penny Canning, wine-indulging, and pop culture movie references; and of course, to see if Travis and Laurie do indeed end up together.
What We Ultimately Want to See: Cougar Town eventually turns out to be an extended Twilight Zone hypothetical, examining a human race devoid of any real drive or established code of morals or ethics.
What We'll Settle for, Since That's Absurd: More lighthearted alcoholism.
[Photo Credit: Justin Lubin/TBS]
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Jessica Simpson, who is rumoured to be pregnant, walked down the aisle in a black gown as bridesmaid for her best friend Cobb, while Braff and singer Joshua Radin were groomsmen.
The ceremony at Braff's Hollywood Hills home took place under a tent with twinkling white lights and featured a gospel choir.
Braff took to his Twitter.com page to share photos of the special day, including a snap of the groom rehearsing his vows, and later a black-and-white shot of the beaming newlyweds with the caption, "Knots tied."
Radin also posted a picture of himself with Faison and Braff, tweeting, "What a happy day."
Simpson's pop star sister Ashlee and their separated parents, Tina and Joe, were also among the 75 guests who attended the star-studded ceremony.
It is the first marriage for Cobb, Simpson's former personal assistant, while Faison was previously married to Lisa Askey, the mother of his three kids. He also has one son from a previous relationship.
The couple announced its engagement in August 2011.

Scrubs star Donald Faison's relationship with Jessica Simpson pal Cacee Cobb continues to beat on, as the couple wed Saturday in Los Angeles after six years of dating, People reports.
Faison and Cobb's famous friends were in tow for the ceremony — Simpson, who served as a bridesmaid, and her sister, Ashlee Simpson, were in attendance, and the couple wed in Scrubs star Zach Braff's home (which hopefully came free of this wallpaper).
Faison, who currently stars on TV Land's The Exes, proposed to Cobb in August 2011. But, soon after, Cobb took the reins on the ceremony. Faison told Huffington Post in 2011 that Cobb knew "what she wants for her wedding." "I really do not want to be a part of the planning," said father of three Faison, who was previously married to Lisa Askey. "I want to be a part of her life forever, but as far as the planning goes I'm really not looking forward to it. I am going to be involved though."
[Image Credit: DJDM / WENN]
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The Garden State star was alerted to the bizarre find by fans on Twitter.com, but he admits it took a little while before he accepted that the rumour could very well be true, thanks to his mother Anne Hutchinson Maynard's ancestry.
During an appearance on U.S. talk show Rove LA on Saturday (08Dec12), he said, "It's very bizarre because believe it or not, I thought it was another prank on the Internet because I've been killed off on the Internet, I came out of the closet on the Internet, a lot of things have happened to me on the web and I start getting wind that I was related to Mitt Romney through a witch!
"That sounds like a joke, but this genealogist, who I guess has way too much time on his hands, went and tracked my mother's maiden name and figured out she grew up in Rhode Island and discovered that Mitt Romney and I are related through the very last woman who was killed through the Salem witch trials. And I thought it was like, a tabloid thing, (but) it was a reputable genealogy journal, so yeah, Mitt and I are related through a witch!"
Braff isn't the only celebrity to share a familial link to a Republican politician - Halle Berry was recently revealed to be a distant relative of former U.S. Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin, who ran for office in 2008 against Democrat Barack Obama and his running mate Joe Biden.
Researching celebrity family trees has grown in popularity in recent years following the success of TV genealogy shows like Who Do You Think You Are?, which has allowed stars including actors Martin Sheen, Rita Wilson, Rob Lowe and Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling to explore their roots.

Played gender-bending main character in "CBS Schoolbreak Special" presentation "My Summer As a Girl"

Portrayed a man struggling with commitment in "The Last Kiss," directed by Tony Goldwyn and scripted by Paul Haggis

Summary

Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated sitcom star and indie actor-writer-director Zach Braff first gained fame from his small-screen breakout role as J. D. on NBC's "Scrubs" (NBC, 2001- ) before coming out of nowhere to win critical acclaim for his big-screen directorial debut on "Garden State" (2004). In addition to writing, directing and acting in his own film, Braff moved on to leading roles on "The Last Kiss" (2006) and "The Ex" (2007). Adept at being both in front of and behind the camera, Braff's comedy chops and everyman quality was often likened to an "Annie Hall"-era Woody Allen or a young Tom Hanks.

Education

Name

Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Training Center

Columbia High School

Northwestern University

Notes

"Growing up in suburban New Jersey, I always collected stories – things that happened to me, my family, and friends. Anecdotes. Stuff that borders on urban legend. I love stories from suburbia." – Braff to Vanity Fair, July 2004

"It's a movie about how life is short, go for it now. My character says, 'I'm 26 years old and I've spent my whole life waiting for something else to start.' Now I realize that this is all there is and I'm going to try to live my life like that" – Braff talking to People magazine about his movie "Garden State," July 28, 2004

"Well, I was kosher until I had my bar mitzvah and I parlayed officially becoming a man into telling my father that I wanted to eat cheeseburgers" – Braff to Emmy magazine, Issue 3, 2006

In 2009, he opened the New York City restaurant Mermaid Oyster Bar with chef and high school friend Laurence Edelman.